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All St Agnes Parish Catholic schools and preschools will be closed on Tuesday after advice from NSW Rural Fire Service about deteriorating fire conditions.
Catholic Schools NSW and the Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, made the decision today after a state of emergency was declared across NSW.
Stephen Pares, Chief Coordinating Officer of St Agnes' Parish Schools, said the safety of students and staff is paramount.
"This decision has been taken in consideration of the expected conditions, the current warnings in place and in the interests of the health and safety of students, families and staff," Mr Pares said.
Schools affected include St Joseph's Regional College, MacKillop College, Newman Senior Technical College, St Joseph's Primary Port Macquarie, St Peter's Primary School and St Agnes' Primary School, St Josephs Primary at Laurieton and Wauchope.
"We appreciate that this will mean families having to make alternate arrangements however, the advice surrounding the conditions have meant that safety must be the highest priority," Mr Pares said.
"Schools will operate as normal Wednesday, unless otherwise notified.
"At this time, we pray for those families already affected and in support of those wonderful members of our community who are fighting these fires to protect lives and property."
This decision extends to the Parish's early education services offered by St Joseph's Family Services (SJFS) including: St Joseph's Preschool and Long Day Care, St Agnes Early Education Centre and Joey's House Early Education Centre.
Hastings Family Day Care Educators will be notifying their families individually.
The NSW Department of Education has confirmed that the Wauchope and Port Macquarie TAFE campuses will be closed Tuesday.
St Columba Anglican School, Nature School, Nautilus College and Steiner School in Port Macquarie will be closed.
Public schools across the Hastings region closed on Tuesday are:
- Beechwood Public School
- Comboyne Public School
- Hannam Vale Public School
- Harrington Public School
- Heron's Creek Public School
- Huntington Public School
- Johns River Public School
- Long Flat Public School
- Rollands Plains Upper Public School
- Telegraph Point Public School